Aniti's POV

I saw her caller ID; it was her mother, and the moment Niyati saw it, her entire expression shifted. It was like a cloud had rolled in, casting a shadow over her bright smile. I could sense that something was off in her world, and my heart raced with the urge to uncover what was troubling her.

I knew deep down that she wouldn’t just spill her feelings; she was too guarded for that. But I was determined to break through those walls. I felt a mix of concern and resolve bubbling inside me. I wanted to be the safe space for her, the one person she could confide in without fear or hesitation.

As she finally hung up the call, I gently placed my hand on her shoulder, hoping to convey my unwavering support. "Niyati, I'm right here," I said softly, my voice steady. "You don’t have to carry this alone. Whatever it is, I want to help you share it. Let me in." I could see the flicker of vulnerability in her eyes, and I knew that deep down, she wanted to let it all out. I just had to be patient and ready to catch her when she did.

Author's POV

Niyati turned to look at Aniti, whose face held a worried frown, clearly meant just for her. Aniti grabbed her shoulders, her touch gentle yet firm, and made her sit on the chair. Then, she turned to grab the water, her movements quick and efficient. She gave it to Niyati, who tried to refuse, but Aniti, with a playful nudge and a mischievous glint in her eyes, forced her to drink it.

Aniti sat on her knees in front of Niyati, their hands clasped together, her eyes brimming with concern. “Niyu, what's wrong? You look like you've swallowed a lemon whole! Has something happened? Niyu, please tell me, your best friend, your confidante, your partner in crime!"

“N....no, there's nothing. I'm just tensed about my case, nothing else," Niyati tried to convince her, but who was she kidding? A lawyer, her best friend, she couldn't hide anything from Aniti, not even a misplaced comma!

Aniti just looked at her with a knowing smile, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “I know there's something, Niyu. You haven't kept anything in your heart till now. You've told me everything, from the deepest heartbreak to the most joyous celebrations. And today you need to tell me the same. Now say what has happened, my dear, spill the beans!"

Niyati gave a sigh and looked down, tears welling up in her eyes. "Aniti," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion, "for months now, these families have been coming to meet me, all for this wedding thing. Ugh, the whole idea just makes me cringe! I don't want to marry anyone right now. But everyone keeps saying, 'You're an adult, you're old enough to get married, it's time to settle down!' My family, bless their hearts, they just want me to be happy, but they're also pushing me to marry, saying, 'You've got your dream job, what else do you need?'"

"I know they mean well, so I just told them I'd marry when I find the right guy. But ever since then, it's been a parade of boys and their families. I've said no to at least ten! Some of them were just after money, and one family was completely insane! They actually asked for dowry and said I shouldn't work! Like, seriously? They thought I'd just be a stay-at-home wife, catering to their every whim? They were so stuck in the past! My family tried to calm me down, saying it's common for families to want their daughters-in-law to stay home, but it's still frustrating!"

"And then, the worst part... we were supposed to talk, just the boy and me. Can you believe it? He tried to touch me inappropriately! I tried to run, but he grabbed me... "

Niyati broke down in a pool of tears, her sobs echoing in the silence. Aniti's own eyes welled up, her heart breaking for her friend. She couldn't imagine Niyati, always so full of life and laughter, reduced to this fragile state.

"But Bhai saw him and tried to beat him! I stopped him, though, because it would have caused a huge scene, and I didn't want to hurt my family. Bhai led us to the hall where the boy had rejected me. I felt a sense of peace, but my family seemed disappointed. When his family left, my family gave me a reassuring smile and told me to rest, but I could tell they weren't going to say yes to his family either.

Me and Bhai kept the boy's actions a secret, and ever since then I've been terrified to meet anyone new. Today, another boy and his family are coming to see me, and I'm just so scared! What if he tries to do the same thing? What if Bhai hadn't been there that day?"

Niyati finished, her voice a trembling whisper, and Aniti pulled her into a tight hug. "Don't be scared," Aniti said, her voice firm and reassuring. "Just go and face him. If he tries to do the same thing, tell your family. I'm sure they'll understand you and support you. Just be confident and face your fear."

Niyati nodded, her eyes still glistening with unshed tears. Aniti gently wiped them away with a tissue, a small smile playing on her lips. Niyati glanced at her watch, a sudden rush of anxiety flooding her. She jumped to her feet, her voice a little more confident now. "I need to go now. I'm really late for my case, and then I have to go home early today."

She grabbed her things, a determined glint in her eyes, and headed for the door. Aniti watched her go, a wave of affection washing over her. She knew Niyati was strong, and she would face this challenge head-on. But she couldn't help but worry about her friend, a small frown creasing her brow.

Aniti's POV

After Niyati went to the hospital, I slumped back in my chair, my heart twisting with worry. How can she handle all this pressure alone? If I were in her shoes, I'd be a puddle of tears by now! But there she is, standing tall and making her parents beam with pride. She's a true warrior, my Niyati! 💪

And speaking of warriors, my Sarthak and I are a team! We're so happy together, and we can't wait to say "I do" and shout our love from the rooftops! 💖 We started dating back in college, and Niyati was a little grumpy about it at first (she's so protective!), but she came around and now she's our biggest cheerleader!

Niyati and Sarthak are my everything. They're like my brother and sister, my heart and my breath. Sarthak is my heart, the beat of my life, and Niyati is my breath, the air that fills my lungs. I can't imagine life without either of them!

Sometimes I look at Niyati and I wonder...is she even human? The challenges she's faced, the strength she's shown...it's like she's a superhero! 🦸‍♀️ I'm so incredibly proud of her.

I'm so lucky to have them both in my life. And honestly, I think Niyati would agree. We're a team, and we'll always have each other's backs! 👊

Hehehehe, I was just praising myself. Never mind it, so we were on Niyati. It isn't that everyone loves her; some people hate her to no end, and here she is, loving them from her heart. 💖

I can't forget what Aerika and Armaan did to her. Well, that's another case, and for now, I don't want to spoil my mood.

And today I teased her; that was my favorite part of today! I mean, I always tease her with Armaan's name, but today it was different. I teased her with Harshad. I don't know why I did that, but it was priceless. 😂 Well, if they both get married, hmm... they would make a cute pair. Aww... how beautiful they both are! I haven't seen Harshad for some months now, but his pictures show he is the best ideal type for Niyati, and so is she. 😍

They are both perfect for each other, but God has another plan. I think not in this universe, but in a different one, they will be one.

I'm getting bored, so how about calling Sarthak? He might be working right now, but I can't help but crave some time with him.

So, I picked up my phone and dialed his number... one ring... two rings... and then he picked up.

“Hello, Sarthak," I said, my heart racing a little at the thought of him.

“Hey, my love. How are you?" he asked, and I could hear the warmth in his voice. I wasn't in the mood to spill the beans, so I just said directly, “Um... I want to talk to you about something."

“Okay, yeah, say it. I'm listening," he replied, and I could sense his expression shifting, probably curious and a bit concerned.

“Not over the phone. I want to talk to you face to face. You know it's serious. Come to XYZ cafe in 30 minutes. I'm already here," I said, hanging up before he could respond. I know I might be a bit cruel, but teasing him is just too tempting! With Niyati gone, Sarthak is my perfect target. I can’t wait to see the look on his face when we meet! 😜😁

Sarthak's POV

I was working when my phone rang, and it was Aniti! I didn't wait a second—I instantly picked up her call, my heart racing with excitement. I couldn't wait to hear her sweetest voice, the one that always makes my day brighter.

I asked about her well-being, but she just brushed it off and called me to meet her at XYZ cafe. She mentioned she was already there, which made me wonder if she was with someone else. My heart did a little flip at the thought!

You won't believe it, but I recently proposed to her! I was so nervous, but I finally did it. And guess what? We kissed! 😍 I can't even describe the rush of emotions I felt in that moment—it was like fireworks exploding inside me! But I had to hurry; I didn’t want her to get mad at me for being late.

So, I dashed over to Harshad to let him know I had to leave. I have to request him to take care of my pending work because, honestly, I didn't want Dad to chase me with his shoes or a stick! 😅

Author's POV

Sarthak's knuckles rapped against Harshad's cabin door, a familiar chill seeping in as he pushed it open. He found his brother hunched over his laptop, a frown etched on his face. Harshad didn't even need to look up. He recognized the sound of Sarthak's footsteps, the way they always seemed to tiptoe in, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"If you're here to tell me you need to go somewhere and want me to do your work, then it's a big no. Last time Papa found out I did your work, and let's just say, it wasn't pretty," Harshad said, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. He knew this dance, this little brother routine. Sarthak, always with a scheme, always with a charming smile.

"Oh, please, mere bhai, just a little bit of work. I promise Papa won't find out this time. Just a tiny bit, please?" Sarthak pleaded, his eyes wide and innocent, hands clasped together in a gesture that was almost too cute.

Harshad sighed, his heart softening a bit. He knew what Sarthak was up to, but how could he resist that puppy dog face? He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. Sarthak squealed with delight, throwing his arms around Harshad in a tight hug before dashing out the door.

Harshad, despite his strict exterior, had a soft spot for his brother. He knew Sarthak was headed for a good time, and he couldn't help but smile at the thought of his brother's carefree spirit. Harshad, for all his seriousness, had a secret fondness for Sarthak's antics. He'd do anything for his brother, even if it meant doing his work. After all, family was everything.

In the cafe

Aniti was scrolling through her phone when she spotted Sarthak coming her way, her heart racing with excitement.

“Aniti, be ready. It's going to be fun,” she whispered to herself, barely containing her giggles as she waited for him to sit down, eager to unleash her little act.

“Hey, Aniti. How are you?” Sarthak asked, plopping down in the chair across from her, his smile bright but his eyes searching.

She took a deep breath, her heart pounding, and replied, “I want to talk to you about something serious.”

His face fell, and a wave of panic washed over him. “Is she going to tell me that she found someone else and is now breaking up with me? No way, it can't happen! I will die without her,” he thought, his mind racing in a whirlwind of dread.

Unbeknownst to him, Aniti was struggling to hold back her laughter, her heart fluttering at his worried expression.

“Actually…,” Aniti began, but before she could finish, Sarthak blurted out, “Wait, wait a second. Anu, don’t tell me you found someone else and now you’re here to break up with me. Please don’t do this! I know I shouldn’t have asked you about the wedding, but believe me, I thought we were ready for it. Please don’t leave me, please!”

Aniti was surprised for a minute, her heart skipping a beat, but then she burst into laughter, finding his flustered state utterly adorable. He looked at her, a mix of shock and confusion on his face, and mumbled, "Aniti?"

"Sorry, I'm so sorry," Aniti said, her voice laced with a playful giggle. "I know I shouldn't have laughed at you, but… I couldn't help it. I was just teasing, there's nothing serious." She started to laugh again, but stopped when she saw the playful glare in his eyes. It was so endearing, she wanted to melt right there.

"I was just here to tell you about the answer for our wedding," she said, her voice softening as she met his gaze. Sarthak's eyes lit up, and he urged her to continue.

"Hmm… actually, I told Niyati about this, and she is absolutely thrilled for both of us. And I'm ready for the wedding. The most important thing is that Niyati is going to help me in making my family agree for our wedding," Aniti said, a happy smile blooming on her face. Sarthak squealed in delight, his happiness radiating off of him, and rushed to her, wrapping her in a tight hug. Aniti returned the embrace, her heart overflowing with love and excitement.

Aniti's POV

I was absolutely relishing his reaction, feeling a mix of amusement and affection. I wanted to tell him it was just a joke, but how could I? As a lawyer, I knew I had a knack for dancing around the point instead of getting straight to it.

So, I decided to savor the moment a little longer, weaving through my words with a playful smirk, just to enjoy his flustered state even more. Watching him squirm was too delightful to rush through! It felt like a game, and I was loving every second of it. 😏💖

Sarthak's POV

I was really nervous, my heart racing, just thinking about what she was going to tell me. Seriously, when she started talking, I was so anxious that I blurted out whatever popped into my head. I couldn't even imagine leaving her; she's my everything! 😍

But then... it turned out she was just kidding! Can you believe it? She was just joking with me! I know I should be mad at her, but honestly, who can stay angry at someone who acts like a child? She's an adult, yet her playful spirit is so infectious! 😄

And about Niyati, I have no doubt she'll work her magic and get Aniti's family to agree. She's always been the best at everything she does, and honestly, she makes it look so effortless! Anything she touches turns to gold! 😜✨

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